Photography Course Description

This course explores intermediate techniques of exposure, development and printing of small- and medium-format black-and-white film and print materials, with special emphasis on tonal control through the creative application of the zone system. Emphasis is placed on aspects of design, composition, perception and content in black-and-white photographs. Prerequisites: ADF 214

PHO 203 Color Photography (0,6;3 cr.)

This course explores the use of color as an aesthetic tool in the hands of the creative commercial or expressive photographer. While the emphasis is on the use of negative, reversal and Polaroid films and print materials, attention is also paid to color theory, perception, aesthetics and the use of alternative color processes. Prerequisites: PHO 202

PHO 304 Mixed-Media Photography (0,6;3 cr.)

This course provides students with an overview of a broad variety of visual forms, media, operative concepts and theories that pertain to both historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students explore the impact of many of these issues through individual practice, lectures, assigned readings, class discussions and critiques. The primary practical work consists of a series of studio projects, in addition to an assigned journal/sketchbook that is maintained throughout the quarter. Prerequisites: PHO 203

PHO 305 Final Project (2,8;6 cr.)

This course leads students through an exploration of the use of the medium for personal expression. Students devise and produce a research outcome plus a major photographic project that expands on the techniques and processes mastered in previous courses. Prerequisites: PHO 304

ART 222 Theories of Visual Communication (2,0;2 cr.)

This course addresses theories of visual perception and the language of symbolic representation. The perception of the order of form and space with 2-D emphasis will be tackled by introducing different design elements and their alternative systems of interaction.

PHO 223 History of Photography (3,0;3 cr.)

The first part of the course examines the medium from its prehistory through the photo-secession and World War I. The use of photography as a commercial enterprise, a documentary tool, a cultural force and a means of personal expression is explored. The second part examines the major issues and artists in photography from the early 20th century to the present. Although the emphasis is on photography as a fine art and its relationship to the other arts, topics include documentary photography and photojournalism, fashion and portraiture, and the use of photography in mass media.

This course will introduce students to the digital design lab. They will learn how to operate a Macintosh system, and will be introduced to the basic usages of graphic software and their interfaces. Students will be acquainted with the use of technology in design

PHO 332 Photography Internship (1,0;1 cr.)

In this course, students undergo an eight-week professional training under the guidance of a professional photographer in a design office, a publisher, a television station, or an ad agency. Faculty members will coordinate the program with students and employers.

PHO 241 Digital Imaging (1,4;3 cr.)

This course introduces photographic image modification through the use of computer technology. Topics include scanners and other input devices, image editing software and various output options, as well as the commercial and aesthetic potential and application of digital imagery.

PHO 242 Advanced Digital Imaging (1,4;3 cr.)

This course, targeted to advanced photography students, emphasizes the philosophical and technical relationship between the camera and the computer. Students are expected to mesh their personal aesthetic with the multitude of possibilities available in electronic media. Appropriate presentation, software options and sequencing of imagery are stressed, along with historical examples that provide background for understanding this new medium. Prerequisites: PHO 241

PHO 251 Studio Lighting (1,4;3 cr.)

This course introduces the use of artificial lighting to create photographic illustrations in a controlled environment. Lighting techniques are demonstrated and applied in a series of photographic exercises with tabletop still life and portraiture. Both “hot lights” and electronic flash are used to achieve total control of composition, color, contrast and reflection. Emphasis is placed on the technical mastery of complex equipment, coupled with an aesthetic understanding of the physical principles of light.

PHO 352 Large-Format Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

This course provides a thorough introduction to 4×5 and 8×10 view camera technology and aesthetics by covering a number of image-making techniques and applications in the studio and on location. Landscape, architecture, portraiture, still life and specialized areas are covered. View cameras are provided by the department.

PHO 353 Documentary Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

This course introduces experienced black-and-white photographers to the documentary/journalistic branch of photography. Areas covered include history, major forms, styles, practitioners, and techniques and practices of this important use of the medium.

PHO 354 Digital Printing Methodology (1,4;3 cr.)

Graduate students explore advanced technical controls of the printmaking workflows of digital imaging. Students experience input and output variances that affect the final print. Analysis and adjustment is expected in every stage of image production from black-and-white to color printing.

PHO 355 Business Practices for Photography (2,0;2 cr.)

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the business of commercial photography. Students are guided through the job search, including résumé writing and portfolio development. Additional topics include freelance work, studio management, basic accounting, copyright law, contracts, licensing agreements, negotiating fees, taxes, and general business protocol.

PHO 011 Advanced Color Printmaking (1,4;3 cr.)

This upper-level elective is designed to allow students to pursue and resolve ideas and techniques introduced in Color Photography. Although emphasis is placed on advanced color printing techniques and aesthetics, students are encouraged to pursue their own personal directions using appropriate tools and techniques.

PHO 012 Digital Imaging for the World Wide Web (1,4;3 cr.)

Students are offered the opportunity to communicate through the medium of photographs on the World Wide Web and obtain skills that have proven productive in the marketplace. Emphasis is placed on acquiring Web design proficiency through the appropriate use of software and image editing tools. Image formatting possibilities are investigated, along with aesthetic/functional aspects of site navigation, design, sequence and consistency.

PHO 021 The Picture Story (1,4;3 cr.)

This course offers the opportunity to expand skills in the area of photojournalism through hands-on experience in completing both spot news and short- and long-term essay assignments.

PHO 022 Portraiture Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

This course provides students with a hands-on knowledge of all aspects of photographic portraiture, including historical references and new media exploration. Various technical aspects such as multiple formats and various means of lighting are presented in a series of demonstrations and assignments.

PHO 031 Fashion Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

Dedicated to the awareness of industry trends and the development of a commercial portfolio in the area of fashion photography, this course helps students refine skills in lighting, directing the model, styling and creative technique both in the studio and on location.

PHO 032 Architectural Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

This course explores the unique aesthetic and technical challenges of photographing the human-altered landscape for personal expression and historical documentation. Slide lecture topics include the history of landscape and architectural photography. Assignments focus on urban and rural landscapes and Individual and group critiques guide student production. Students may work in color and/or black and white and may use large-, medium- or small-format cameras.

PHO 033 Corporate Photography (1,4;3 cr.)

Within the context of producing images for corporate publications, students acquire skill sets necessary to compete in this environment. Topics covered include creating employee portraits both formal and “in action,” documenting products, illustrating working environments and shooting for annual reports.